Hurricane

Hurricanes feature severe winds of at least 74 miles per hour and are usually accompanied by heavy rains, a powerful combination that can damage buildings, trees and cars.

A hurricane can extend for hundreds of miles across, from end to end.

The official Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30, but these storms can occur at any time of the year.

When a hurricane hits land, its wind speed usually weakens, but the resulting storm surge can raise ocean levels by several feet.

The worst hurricane in U.S. history roared across Galveston Island, Texas, on September 8, 1900, killing 8,000 people.

Even storm clouds have a silver lining. In the case of a hurricane, it’s the fact that there is usually plenty of advance warning. Of course, it’s always better to prepare early and beat the rush… which is sure to occur once news of an approaching hurricane becomes public knowledge. Here’s what you should do:

Stock up on emergency supplies such as food, water, protective clothing, flashlights and batteries, medications and a full tank of gasoline.

Make sure that you have candles available, because the storm will often knock out electricity.

Gather your important documents in a place that’s easy to access.

If you are expecting a direct hit, board up windows.

Be prepared to evacuate, with a set destination in mind, if advised to do so by authorities.

The wind is howling, the rain is lashing at your windows and it seems as if nature has gone a bit crazy And just when it seems it can’t get any worse… zap!... your power goes out. Don’t panic. Unless you have been told to leave, your home may be as safe a place as any for riding out the storm. Just remember these important tips.

Stay away from all windows since heavy winds can shatter them.

Listen closely to your battery-powered radio for the latest storm updates. Remember those batteries we reminded you to get?

Since hurricanes can often spawn tornadoes, be prepared to retreat to your empty bathtub or some other sturdy, low-lying area in the home if a twister heads your way

Do not venture outside until the storm has safely passed.

If you are centered in the eye of the storm, there may be an hour or so of calm in which you can check outside for damages, but do so quickly because the winds and rain will return.